Monterrey: History, Squad, Rivalries, Honours & Future Plans

Club de Futbol Monterrey, commonly known as Monterrey FC, is one of the best football clubs in Mexico. Popular with the nickname “Rayados”, it is the oldest active football club in Northern Mexico and carries the baton of passion and pride of the region. Founded in 1945, Monterrey FC are the symbol of football excellence of the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, and operates on the highest level of the country's football, Liga MX. The White and Blues began their journey from a humble background before emerging as the powerhouse of Mexican club football within a few years. It is famous for a passionate, loyal fan base and its modern stadium, Estadio BBVA, a ground that becomes a fortress during a match of the club.
The Mexican club began its journey by playing its first football game against Sebastian de Leon in 1945, and since then, it has been carrying the legacy of glory and emotion of the people of Monterrey. From the Mexican top flight to CONCACAF Champions League, Monterrey FC has established their supremacy in different decades, delivering consistency and a sense of excellence. They won their first Liga MX title in 1986, while their recent league trophy came nearly five years ago in 2019. Since the beginning of the new century, the Whites and Blues have seen a dramatic rise in the international tournaments as well, with their regular participation in the FIFA Club World Cup campaigns. Carrying the legacy of pride, resilience, and success, Monterrey FC are looking for a brighter future ahead.

Monterrey FC: Key Facts

Monterrey FC was initially founded against the backdrop of World War II by a group of influential Mexican businessmen led by Ramon Coronado, Enrique Medina, and Paul Probert. The nickname of the club, “Rayados,” was inspired by the club's white and blue striped jersey, which now reflects on its crest as well. Currently, “The Gang”, another famous nickname of the Mexican outfit, is run by a well-structured management headed by Grupo FEMSA, a multinational beverage and retail company based in Monterrey. The company took full ownership of the club back in 1999, thus setting the path towards development, including players' recruitment, academy development, and brand expansion.

Monterrey FC Sponsors, Net Worth & Value

Having captured the biggest fanbase of Northern Mexico, Monterrey FC are the beacon of football in the nation. As a result, it has been easy for them to attract a lot of sponsorship and endorsement deals, reflecting a global appeal. The prime kit sponsor of Monterrey FC is PUMA, which has been a part of the club since 2014. Alongside this major endorsement, Codere, a betting company, has also acquired the shirt supply deal for the club's men's and women's teams in 2021.
Their influence and importance in the Mexican Liga MX have taken them to a whole new level in terms of financial strength. Monterrey's current net worth can be estimated at $316 million, as of 2025, with a shared market value rising above $311 million, according to Forbes Mexico.

Monterrey FC Rivalries

Rivalries in football are more than just a game as they are battles of culture, identity, and dedication. Monterrey FC have also have created some of the biggest football rivalries in its battle-hardened journey, which are deeply rooted in regional pride, identity, and passionate supporters, elevating the encounters to spectacles. The Whites and Blues' fiercest rivalry is against their cross-town competitors, Tigres UNAL, establishing the most intense and emotionally charged derby in North America, named Clasico Regiomontano. Apart from this, another important rivalry is with Club America, which often carries national importance, producing high-stakes outcomes. Every rivalry Monterrey FC are associated with writes a new chapter in the club's growing legacy, taking the fans on an emotional journey.

Derbies

The most classic and iconic rivalry between Monterrey FC and Tigres UNAL, known as Clasico Regiomontano, pits two clubs from the same city, Monterrey, against each other, creating an intense atmosphere in the region. First played in 1974, the Clasico Regio quickly emerged as the pillar of pride and passion. It's a war between two fan bases who also fight it out for regional supremacy. With both of them playing in the Liga MX, the fans can get to witness this battle of loyalty and intensity often every season, either at Estadio BBVA or Estadio Universitario, two iconic stadiums serving as the pride of the whole nation. The first encounter between these two powerhouses saw Tigres win on penalties in 1974 before recording a victory in the most recent game in 2024. As of now, Monterrey FC slightly trails behind with 43 overall wins, while their local foes enjoy 47 victories.

Football rivalries in the North American region are always intense, and the battle between Monterrey FC and Club America adds a rich flavour to it. The two Liga MX heavyweights always produce jaw-dropping encounters as one of them carries the glamour of the country's capital while another represents the passion of the North. With Club America holding a slight edge in wins, the famous win of Monterrey FC in the Apertura 2019 finals sent shockwaves across the nation, leading to a fiery atmosphere. The clubs first went against each other in 1945 when America cruised past Monterrey with a 6-1 win.

The famous Northern derby of Mexico. The face-off between Monterrey and Santos Laguna has gained popularity and created national appeal over the years due to regular playoff meetings across several competitions. As both teams are strong and carry the regional legacy of pride and traditions backed by financial strength and future ambitions, this rivalry has always stood balanced in terms of results. In their first encounter in 1988, Monterrey walked off with an easy 3-1 win, while their last face-off ended in a 1-1 draw.

Monterrey FC Trophies and Achievements

With five Mexican Liga MX titles and as many CONCACAF Champions League trophies, Monterrey FC stands as one of the most successful clubs in Mexico. From domestic accolades to international titles, the Mexican outfit boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, building a legacy of success and excellence. Let's take a look at the titles won by Monterrey FC.

History of Monterrey FC

Rayados was built in 1945 in Monterrey by some businessmen and became immensely popular in the region as it was the first professional football club from Northern Mexico at that time. The Liga MX outfit was initially sponsored by a local brewery and found it difficult to find a place in the Mexican football league system due to its regional challenges. Following its promotion to the Mexican top flight in 1956, the club gradually emerged as a respected entity on the national level by demonstrating courage and passion for the game. In 1986, Monterrey FC won their first Mexican top division league title under Francisco Avilan, and thus it began to rise as the most lethal Northern giant.
In the 21st century, with the help of legendary players like Jose Basanta and Humberto Suazo, the Whites and Blues achieved continental supremacy by clinching the CONCACAF Champions League five times between 2011 and 2021. Later, their presence in the Club World Cup earned them a long-awaited international respect.

Future Goals

Monterrey FC are participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which shows its forward-thinking vision towards a stable and recognised future. With financial might and a loyal fanbase at their back, the Whites and Blues now aim to regain their long-lost glory in the Mexican Liga MX by winning the title. It also looks to expand its global footprint by marking its dominance in the Club World Cup in front of mighty European football clubs.
Monterrey FC's primary goal is to establish itself as the most successful club in North America, ending the dominance of its old foes Tigres UNAL and Club America. With its investment in youth academies, top-tier transfers, and elite coaching structure, Monterrey FC looks to ensure sustainability in its performances across all competitions, including CONCACAF Champions League, Liga MX, and Club World Cup.